Hunting Elephant in Botswana

More About Botswana Elephant Hunting

After the national hunting ban was lifted in 2019, elephant hunting was reintroduced with strict oversight. Permits are issued annually by the government, and hunting is limited to specific concession areas allocated to approved operators.

This is not an open market system:

• Quotas are limited and controlled at a national level 

• Not every outfitter receives elephant permits each year 

• Hunts are tied directly to available quota 

For international hunters, this has two important implications.

First, availability is not guaranteed — even reputable operators may not have elephant quota every season.

Second, booking timelines are longer. In many cases, securing a hunt requires planning a year or more in advance, particularly for well-managed concessions with consistent trophy quality.

Where Elephant Hunting Takes Place

Elephant hunting in Botswana takes place in remote, unfenced concession areas, often bordering major wildlife regions such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

These regions support extremely high elephant densities and are known for producing mature bulls.

Hunting areas are typically:

• Large-scale, unfenced concessions 

• Shared ecosystems with photographic safari areas nearby 

• Managed under strict government allocation 

Conditions vary depending on the concession, but hunters should expect a mix of:

• Mopane bushveld 

• River systems and floodplains 

• Dry inland tracking terrain 

This is classic African tracking — not fenced hunting. Success depends on experienced trackers, patience, and covering ground on foot. For a full overview of hunting in Botswana, including other species and regions, see our Botswana hunting guide. 

Botswana remains one of Africa’s more selective dangerous game hunting destinations, particularly for hunters focused on free-range elephant, buffalo, and leopard hunting in remote wilderness concessions.

Best Time to Hunt Elephant in Botswana

The best time for elephant hunting in Botswana is generally during the dry season, which typically runs from May through September. During this period, vegetation becomes thinner, surface water decreases, and elephants concentrate more heavily around permanent river systems, floodplains, and water sources throughout northern Botswana.

For most hunters, this creates better tracking conditions and more consistent opportunities to locate mature bulls.

Early season hunts in May and June are usually cooler and more comfortable for walking long distances, particularly in mopane bushveld and sandveld terrain. Vegetation can still be moderately thick in some areas following seasonal rains, but elephant movement is often predictable as herds begin shifting toward permanent water systems near the Okavango Delta and Chobe region.

By July and August, conditions become drier and tracking generally improves. This is often considered the most balanced period for elephant hunting in Botswana, as spoor remains easier to follow while daytime temperatures are still manageable for extended tracking on foot.

September can produce excellent elephant hunting as water sources become increasingly limited and elephant concentrations build in key areas. However, temperatures rise significantly during late-season hunts, and tracking conditions can become physically demanding, especially during long days in dry inland concessions.

In floodplain and delta regions, seasonal water levels can also influence where elephants spend time throughout the year. In some concessions, hunting quality is closely tied to changing elephant movement corridors between river systems, dry inland terrain, and neighboring wilderness areas.

For international hunters — particularly those traveling from the United States — securing preferred dates can be difficult because Botswana elephant quota is limited and many hunts are booked well in advance once permits are released.

Botswana Elephant Hunting Prices & Costs

Botswana sits at the upper end of elephant hunting pricing in Africa, but not all hunts are equal — and understanding why prices vary is important before booking.

Most hunts are structured as 10 to 14-day safaris, with total costs typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000+, depending on quota availability, concession quality, and operator reputation.

Typical cost structure includes:

• Daily rates (professional hunter, camp, staff, vehicles) 

• Trophy fee for a bull elephant 

• Government permits and conservation fees 

Additional costs to plan for:

• International travel and charter flights 

• Taxidermy and shipping 

• Gratuities and incidentals 

For American hunters in particular, total trip cost often exceeds initial package pricing once all logistics are included.

A common scenario is that higher-priced hunts are tied to more remote concessions, where access is more difficult and operating costs are significantly higher

Common Mistakes When Booking Elephant Hunts in Botswana

Because Botswana operates under a strict quota system, mistakes made during the booking process can be costly — both financially and in terms of the overall experience.

One of the most common mistakes is assuming availability without confirmed quota. Not all outfitters receive elephant permits every year, and availability should always be verified before committing to a hunt.

Another frequent issue is choosing based on price alone. Lower-priced hunts are often located in higher-density areas where encounters are more frequent, but trophy quality may be more variable. In contrast, higher-priced hunts are typically tied to more remote concessions with different conditions and expectations.

Some hunters also underestimate the importance of concession location. Elephant distribution, movement patterns, and hunting pressure can vary significantly between regions, and these factors directly influence the type of hunt you will experience.

Finally, import regulations are often overlooked. For international hunters — particularly those from the United States — elephant trophy import rules can change and should be confirmed before booking, not after the hunt.

Taking the time to understand these factors upfront can prevent avoidable issues and help ensure that expectations align with the reality of hunting in Botswana.

Why Prices Vary in Botswana

Pricing differences are largely driven by location, elephant quality, and quota pressure — not just the outfitter.

In northern Botswana, particularly in areas closer to the Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, elephant densities are extremely high. However, in some of these regions — especially along the Caprivi border area — bulls can be more numerous but often smaller on average.

This is partly due to environmental factors, including soil mineral composition and calcium availability, which can influence tusk development over time. As a result, while encounters may be more frequent, truly large-tusked bulls can be less common in certain high-density zones.

Further south and west, particularly in more remote Kalahari and inland concession areas, hunting conditions change significantly.

These areas tend to offer:

• Lower overall elephant densities 

• Larger-bodied, older bulls in some regions 

• More physically demanding tracking conditions 

• Greater remoteness and logistical complexity 

Because of this, hunts in these more remote blocks are often more expensive. Higher costs reflect not only trophy potential, but also access, camp logistics, and the difficulty of operating in less accessible terrain.

In some cases, elephant movement corridors extend across borders into neighboring areas such as northern Namibia, particularly through remote regions like Bushmanland. These cross-border dynamics can influence both availability and the type of bulls encountered in specific concessions.

What This Means for Hunters

Price alone does not determine the quality of an elephant hunt in Botswana.

A lower-priced hunt in a high-density area may offer more frequent encounters, while a higher-priced hunt in a remote concession may offer a better chance at an older, more mature bull — but with more effort and less certainty.

For international hunters, especially those traveling from the United States, the key is to match:

• Budget 

• Expectations for trophy size 

• Preferred hunting style (high encounter vs low-density tracking) 

Understanding these differences upfront is critical, as Botswana does not offer the same level of flexibility or hunt volume as other countries.

Elephant Hunting Quotas & Availability

Botswana operates under a strict national quota system, and this is the single biggest factor that defines elephant hunting in the country.

• Only a limited number of elephant permits are issued annually 

• Quotas are allocated to specific concessions and operators 

• Not all outfitters receive elephant quota every year 

• Hunts are not consistently available season to season 

Unlike countries such as Zimbabwe, where elephant hunting is more widely available, Botswana’s system is restrictive by design. The government controls both the number of animals taken and where hunting takes place.

For international hunters, this creates two realities.

First, availability is unpredictable. Even well-established operators may not have elephant quota in a given year.

Second, timing matters. Hunts are often booked well in advance when quota becomes available, and flexibility with dates or areas can significantly improve your chances of securing a permit.

This is what makes Botswana one of the most exclusive — and least flexible — elephant hunting destinations in Africa.

How Elephant Hunting Quota Actually Works in Botswana

Elephant hunting in Botswana is defined almost entirely by quota — but understanding how that quota functions in practice is critical.

Permits are not simply issued evenly across the country. Quota is allocated to specific concession areas, and then assigned to operators who hold rights within those areas. This means that access is tied as much to location and concession as it is to the outfitter itself.

In some cases, an operator may have access to multiple areas but only receive elephant quota in one of them for a given season. In other cases, highly regarded concessions may not receive quota at all in a particular year.

This creates a situation where:

• Availability can vary significantly from year to year 

• The same outfitter may offer elephant hunting one season and not the next 

• Access to better areas is often limited and booked well in advance 

For international hunters, this is one of the most important realities to understand.

Elephant hunting in Botswana is not just about choosing an outfitter — it is about securing access to a specific concession with available quota in the right year.

In practice, most hunters secure elephant quota through outfitters who control specific concessions, rather than choosing a country first and then looking for availability.

Elephant Hunting Policy and Conservation Context

Elephant hunting in Botswana was reintroduced in 2019 following a period of national debate around wildlife management and rural impacts of growing elephant populations.

Today, hunting is strictly regulated through a government quota system. Annual elephant quotas are limited — typically in the range of a few hundred animals — and are distributed across designated hunting concessions.

When considered against Botswana’s elephant population, which is estimated at over 130,000 animals, these quotas represent a very small percentage of the total population.

As a result, elephant hunting in Botswana is not structured as a population reduction tool at scale, but rather as a controlled, localized management approach tied to conservation funding, community involvement, and land-use balance.

For international hunters, this reinforces the reality that Botswana is a limited and tightly managed hunting destination, where access is determined by policy, quota allocation, and long-term conservation strategy rather than demand alone.

How Many Elephants Are in Botswana?

Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in Africa, with estimates commonly placing the number at over 130,000 animals.

This concentration is particularly high in northern regions, including areas around the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where water availability and habitat conditions support large herds.

However, population size alone does not directly translate into hunting availability.

Elephant hunting in Botswana is not determined by how many elephants exist, but by how many permits are issued under the national quota system. Only a small fraction of the total population is allocated for hunting each year, and those permits are tightly controlled.

For international hunters, this is an important distinction.

While Botswana has more elephants than any other country in Africa, access to hunt them remains limited, selective, and dependent on quota — not population size alone.

Is Botswana the Right Choice for Elephant Hunting?

Botswana offers a unique elephant hunting experience, but it is not the right fit for every hunter.

On the plus side:

• One of the largest elephant populations in Africa 

• Remote, unfenced wilderness areas 

• Low hunting pressure in many concessions 

• Strong potential for mature bulls 

However, there are real trade-offs that need to be understood upfront.

Compared to countries like Zimbabwe:

• Costs are significantly higher 

• Availability is far more limited 

• Booking opportunities are fewer and less predictable 

Zimbabwe, for example, offers more consistent quota and a wider selection of operators, which makes it a more accessible starting point for many hunters.

Botswana, on the other hand, is better suited to hunters who:

• Are specifically targeting Botswana as a destination 

• Are comfortable with higher costs 

• Value exclusivity and wilderness over flexibility 

For many international hunters — particularly those traveling from the United States — Botswana is often considered a second or premium hunt, rather than a first-time elephant safari. 

Botswana vs Zimbabwe: Which Should You Choose?

For many international hunters — especially those traveling from the United States — the real decision is not whether to hunt elephant, but where.

Botswana and Zimbabwe are the two most common options, but they offer very different experiences.

Botswana is best suited to hunters who:

• Specifically want to hunt Botswana 

• Are comfortable with higher costs and limited availability 

• Value exclusivity, low hunting pressure, and remote concessions 

• Are willing to plan well in advance and accept less flexibility 

Zimbabwe elephant hunting, on the other hand, is often the better choice for hunters who:

• Are booking their first elephant hunt 

• Want more consistent quota availability 

• Prefer a wider selection of outfitters and areas 

• Need more flexibility in timing and budget 

In practical terms, Zimbabwe offers more accessible elephant hunting, while Botswana offers a more restricted and selective experience.

Neither is universally “better” — but they are not interchangeable.

For many hunters, Zimbabwe is the more realistic starting point, while Botswana becomes a second or more specialized hunt once expectations, budget, and experience are aligned.

Dangerous Game Hunting in Botswana

While elephant hunting remains the primary dangerous game attraction in Botswana, the country also offers highly regarded opportunities for Cape buffalo and, in select areas, leopard hunting under tightly controlled quota systems.

Botswana is not a high-volume dangerous game destination. Hunts are typically conducted in large unfenced wilderness concessions with relatively low hunting pressure, particularly in remote regions bordering the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and northern river systems where wildlife moves freely across vast ecosystems.

Cape buffalo hunting in Botswana is especially respected among dangerous game hunters due to the presence of large free-ranging herds in remote concession areas. In some regions, buffalo are regularly encountered during elephant tracking safaris, making combination elephant and buffalo hunts a natural fit for hunters looking to pursue multiple species during the same safari.

Leopard hunting in Botswana is more specialized and generally limited to select concessions where quota is available. In certain areas, experienced operators may utilize hounds to pursue leopard in thick bushveld terrain where tracking visibility can be difficult.

Unlike some neighboring countries, Botswana does not currently offer lion hunting, and rhino hunting is not available to international hunters. Dangerous game hunting in Botswana therefore remains focused primarily on elephant, buffalo, and leopard within remote wilderness environments that often experience far less hunting pressure than more commercially available safari destinations elsewhere in Africa.

Hunters interested in broader dangerous game opportunities can also explore our guides to Cape buffalo hunts and leopard hunts in Africa. 

What to Expect on an Elephant Hunt

Elephant hunting in Botswana is physically demanding and built around traditional tracking.

This is not a stationary or baited hunt. Success depends on covering ground and working with experienced trackers to locate fresh sign and follow herds or bulls over long distances.

Hunters should expect:

• Long days on foot, often in hot conditions 

• Close-range encounters, sometimes under 30 yards 

• Thick bushveld, mopane, or floodplain terrain depending on the area 

• Slow, methodical tracking rather than fast-paced shooting opportunities 

Shot placement and decision-making are critical, and opportunities may come quickly after hours — or days — of tracking.

Most safaris run between 10 and 14 days, giving enough time to locate and pursue a mature bull under realistic conditions. Even then, success is never guaranteed, which is part of what defines the experience.

Most hunters underestimate how variable elephant movement can be between concessions, even within the same region

Best Rifles & Calibers for Elephant Hunting in Botswana

Choosing the right rifle for elephant hunting in Botswana depends heavily on the type of hunt, the terrain, and the hunter’s level of experience with large dangerous game calibers.

Professional hunters consider the .375 H&H the practical legal minimum for elephant hunting, and in capable hands it remains fully effective with proper shot placement. However, many experienced dangerous game hunters pursuing elephant in Botswana prefer stepping up to heavier calibers that provide greater stopping power during close-range encounters in thick bushveld conditions.

In traditional tracking hunts — particularly in mopane bush, riverine cover, or dense vegetation where shots may occur at 20 to 40 yards — larger stopping rifles such as the .470 Nitro Express, .500 Nitro Express, or even .577 and .600 Nitro Express are often favored by hunters who are comfortable shooting heavy recoil rifles accurately under pressure.

These larger calibers are designed for close-range authority and fast stopping power when encounters become sudden and extremely close.

At the same time, not every Botswana elephant hunt unfolds at dangerous-close distances.

In more open floodplain terrain, dry inland concessions, or areas where bulls are first spotted at longer range, hunters may place greater value on rifle familiarity, controlled recoil, and precise shot placement rather than simply carrying the largest caliber possible. Bolt-action rifles chambered in .416 Rigby, .458 Lott, or .404 Jeffery remain extremely popular because they offer a balance between stopping power, manageable recoil, reliability, and faster follow-up shots.

Optics can also become important depending on terrain and visibility. While many traditional dangerous game rifles still wear express sights only, low-magnification scopes or quality red-dot setups can be extremely useful in more open country where bulls may first be evaluated at greater distance before the final stalk begins.

Ultimately, the best elephant rifle is not necessarily the biggest rifle — it is the rifle the hunter can shoot confidently, quickly, and accurately under pressure.

In Botswana, where many hunts involve long tracking days followed by sudden close-range opportunities, reliability, familiarity, and shot placement matter far more than caliber alone. 

Regardless of caliber or rifle setup, proper elephant shot placement remains the single most important factor in a successful hunt. Even the largest dangerous game calibers cannot compensate for poor shot placement under pressure, particularly during close-range encounters in thick cover. Hunters preparing for Botswana elephant safaris should spend time understanding elephant anatomy, brain-shot angles, and presentation before arriving in camp. For a more detailed breakdown, see our guide to elephant shot placement.

What Success Really Looks Like

Success on an elephant hunt in Botswana is not defined by opportunity alone — it is defined by patience, persistence, and timing.

Even in high-density areas, mature bulls are not always easy to locate, and tracking can take multiple days before a suitable animal is found. In more remote concessions, encounters may be less frequent, but the focus shifts toward locating older, more mature bulls under more demanding conditions.

Hunters should be prepared for the reality that:

• Not every day results in an encounter 

• Shot opportunities may come quickly — or not at all 

• Physical endurance and mental patience play a major role in success 

• Decisions often need to be made under pressure and at close range 

While most safaris are structured to allow sufficient time, elephant hunting remains unpredictable by nature.

This uncertainty is part of what defines the experience — and part of what makes a successful hunt in Botswana both challenging and rewarding.

Import Considerations for International Hunters

International hunters should confirm all import requirements before booking an elephant hunt in Botswana, as these can directly affect the value of the safari.

Key considerations include:

• CITES export permits issued by Botswana 

• Import permits required by your home country 

• Airline, transit, and shipping regulations 

• Potential delays or administrative restrictions 

For hunters from the United States, this step is especially important.

Elephant trophy imports are regulated under U.S. law and can change based on policy decisions. Even when a hunt is legally conducted in Botswana, import approval is not always guaranteed and may depend on current U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service rulings at the time of export.

Because of this, many experienced hunters:

• Confirm import eligibility before booking 

• Work with outfitters familiar with export procedures 

• Plan for the possibility of delays in receiving trophies 

Understanding this process upfront helps avoid surprises after the hunt and should be part of your overall decision when choosing Botswana as a destination.

In recent years, many hunters have delayed or reconsidered elephant hunts due to uncertainty around U.S. import regulations

Should You Hunt Elephant in Botswana?

If your goal is accessibility, flexibility, and a higher likelihood of securing a hunt in the near term, Botswana may not be the best starting point.

However, if you are specifically looking for:

• A more exclusive hunting experience 

• Remote, unfenced wilderness areas 

• Lower hunting pressure and selective quota 

• The opportunity to pursue mature bulls under traditional tracking conditions 

Then Botswana stands apart from most other destinations in Africa.

For many hunters, the decision ultimately comes down to priorities.

Botswana is not the easiest place to hunt elephant — but for those who value exclusivity and are willing to plan accordingly, it offers one of the most deliberate and less commercial hunting experiences available today.

For hunters seeking remote wilderness safaris, traditional tracking conditions, and truly free-range elephant hunting, Botswana continues to represent one of the most distinctive and rewarding forms of hunting in Africa available today.

Key Takeaways for Elephant Hunting in Botswana

Elephant hunting in Botswana is not about volume, convenience, or easy availability. It is a limited, tightly controlled opportunity defined by strict quotas, high costs, and selective access to hunting areas.

Those same constraints are also what set Botswana apart.

Unlike more accessible destinations, Botswana offers a more deliberate and less commercial hunting environment. Fewer permits, less pressure, and large, unfenced concessions create conditions that are closer to traditional African elephant hunting than what many hunters experience elsewhere.

Botswana offers:

• One of the largest elephant populations in Africa 

• Remote, free-range wilderness with minimal hunting pressure 

• A more selective, less crowded hunting experience 

• Consistent potential for mature, hard-earned bulls 

At the same time, it requires a different mindset.

Hunters need to be prepared for:

• Limited availability and unpredictable quota allocation 

• Higher overall costs compared to other countries 

• Longer planning timelines and less flexibility 

• Logistical considerations, especially for international travel and trophy import 

For many international hunters — particularly those traveling from the United States — Botswana is not the easiest place to hunt elephant, but that is exactly the point.

It appeals to those who are willing to invest more time and resources for a more exclusive and less pressured experience, rather than simply looking for the most accessible option.

For hunters who understand these realities and secure a permit, Botswana offers a serious, traditional elephant hunting experience in one of Africa’s most intact and wild landscapes — the kind of hunt that is earned, not just booked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Hunting in Botswana

Is elephant hunting legal in Botswana?

Yes. Elephant hunting in Botswana is legal under a strictly regulated government quota system. After the national hunting ban was lifted in 2019, limited elephant hunting was reintroduced in specific concession areas under controlled annual permit allocations. Quota availability changes from season to season, and not all operators receive elephant permits every year.

How much does elephant hunting in Botswana cost?

Most elephant hunting safaris in Botswana range between $50,000 and $80,000+ depending on concession quality, hunt duration, quota availability, and overall remoteness. Additional expenses such as trophy fees, charter flights, taxidermy, shipping, permits, and gratuities can significantly increase the final trip cost for international hunters.

What is the best caliber for elephant hunting in Botswana?

The .375 H&H is generally considered the practical minimum caliber for elephant hunting, but many experienced dangerous game hunters prefer larger rifles such as the .416 Rigby, .458 Lott, or .470 Nitro Express for close-range encounters. The best rifle ultimately depends on the hunting style, terrain, shooting distance, and the hunter’s ability to shoot accurately under pressure.

When is the best time to hunt elephant in Botswana?

The best time for elephant hunting in Botswana is typically during the dry season from May through September. As water becomes more limited, elephant concentrations increase around permanent river systems and floodplains, improving tracking conditions and encounter rates. July through September is often considered the prime elephant hunting period in many concessions.

Can US hunters import elephant trophies from Botswana?

Elephant trophy imports into the United States are regulated through U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service requirements and can change depending on current policy decisions. Even when an elephant hunt is legally conducted in Botswana, import approval is not always guaranteed. Hunters should always confirm current import regulations before booking a safari and work with outfitters experienced in export documentation and CITES permit procedures.